Cable guiding device for urban or peri-urban aerial cableway system

ABSTRACT

A cable guiding device for an aerial cableway system comprising at least one elongate cable support ( 23 ). The device further comprises a single pair of similar connections ( 39 ), by means of which the cable support is securely mounted on an aerial support structure. The connections ( 39 ) are arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the cable support ( 23 ). Each connection ( 39 ) comprises at least one corresponding damping block ( 59 ) which is inserted between the cable support ( 23 ) and the support structure ( 7 ). Each connection ( 39 ) of the pair is designed as a pseudo-embedded type connection capable of transmitting forces in the manner of a ball joint, with the effect of the damping block or blocks ( 59 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cable guiding device for an aerial cableway system, and more particularly to a system of the type comprising one or more cables from which a plurality of vehicles is suspended, known as track cables, and at least one cable to which the vehicles can be coupled in order to be hauled relative to the track cables, known as a hauling cable.

BACKGROUND

Aerial cableway systems of this type are generally referred to as “dual-cable” systems, as opposed to “single-cable” systems, wherein a single cable, or track and hauling cable, both supports and hauls the vehicles.

An aerial cableway system generally includes two terminal stations at a distance from one another. These stations are connected to one another by one or more track cables to form a transport line. This line generally includes two pathways, along which the vehicles travel in opposite directions.

The track cables are anchored in each of the terminal stations. The hauling cable is arranged in a loop mounted around at least one pair of pulleys which drive the rotation thereof: at least one drive pulley at one of the terminal stations and at least one return pulley at the other of these stations. Each strand of the loop extends along a respective pathway of the transport line.

The track cables and the hauling cable are held in the air according to a line gauge by support structures. Such structures are primarily found in the terminal stations. Moreover, structures of this type are distributed along the line, between the terminal stations. These structures can thus comprise one or more towers. Where appropriate, support structures can also be located at one or more intermediate stations.

In each support structure, at least one device supports the track cables and the hauling cable relative to the structure and guides these cables according to the gauge.

This cable guiding device typically comprises at least one elongate cable support.

A first type of elongate supports intended for the hauling cable can be used, referred to as a “hauling cable banana” or “banana” (“roller carrier” in English language). Roller carrier-type supports are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “hauling cable balancing arms” or “balancing arms”, with reference to their counterparts in single-cable systems. In a single-cable system, each support is rotatably mounted on the support structure in order to follow the movements of the track-hauling cable as a vehicle passes over the structure in question and to balance the forces between the portions of the cable located on either side of the structure in question.

A second type of elongate supports intended for the track cables can be used, referred to as a “track cable shoe” or “shoe” (“cable carrier” in English language).

The hauling cable slides continuously relative to the roller carrier by means of one or more rollers rotatably mounted on this support, substantially distributed in the longitudinal direction thereof. The track cables are generally non-moving relative to the cable carrier. However, these cables must be able to slide on the cable carrier, in particular when they contract or expand due to temperature.

Dual-cable aerial cableway systems are known for the comfort they provide to passengers: passage over support structures, in particular towers, is smoother than in single-cable aerial cableway systems, with virtually no jerking. In dual-cable systems, impact noise in the vicinity of the aerial support structures is significantly reduced compared to single-cable systems, in particular due to the absence of roller batteries.

In order to reduce noise at a terminal station, the French patent document FR 2 797 834 proposes a device for diverting the hauling cable thereat, in the vicinity of a detachment area of the cable grips. This device comprises rollers for guiding the cable and a structure for carrying these rollers. This structure comprises a hollow body, through which the pin of each roller passes, inside which a flexible covering, made of foam or elastomer, occupies the space between the hollow body and a rigid insert, made of metal or concrete.

The carrying structure is presented as being capable of dampening the vibrations generated by the hauling cable running over the rollers. However, neither the layout nor the dimensioning of this structure is specifically adapted to this type of vibration. In practice, the device in question does not prove to be very effective. Moreover, the French patent document FR 2 797 834 solely relates to vibrations occurring at the terminal stations.

The POMA manual 674, entitled “fonctionnement réglage et entretien—Téléphérique du Plomb du Cantal LE LIORAN” describes a cable guiding device for an aerial cableway system actually installed on the Plomb du Cantal cableway. This cable guiding device comprises a roller revolvably mounted on a swing arm, one end whereof is articulated to a fixed clevis via a hub equipped with rings made of an elastomer material. The device further includes two dampers located at the free end of the swing arm, one vertical to accompany the vertical displacement of the cable generated by the various load combinations, and which prevents the cable from whipping erratically, the other horizontal to absorb the stresses generated by the horizontal whipping of the cable. A spring system, bearing against the fixed clevis and an intermediate portion of the swing arm, pushes the roller against the cable as it rises and keeps it in the high position, even when the cable has detached. The rings made of an elastomer material (Ureflex 33) have a certain resilience which gives the articulation a flexibility that helps to dampen the cable movements.

The Applicant decided to take this even further. The Applicant has set itself the aim of significantly reducing the noise of dual-cable systems, in particular in order to improve the integration thereof into urban and peri-urban environments. The reduction of this noise must comply with the constraints of dual-cable systems, in particular that of maintaining mutual spacing of the track cables when the vehicle passes and engagement of the hauling cable in a groove of the rollers.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a cable guiding device for an aerial cableway system of the type comprising at least one elongate cable support. The device further includes a single pair of similar connections, by means of which the cable support is securely mounted on an aerial support structure. The connections are arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the cable support. Each connection includes at least one respective damping block which is inserted between the cable support and the support structure. Each connection of said pair is arranged as a pseudo-embedded type connection, capable of transmitting forces in the manner of a ball joint, with the effect of the one or more damping blocks.

The proposed guiding device significantly reduces noise pollution compared to conventional systems. In particular, the vibrations resulting from the hauling cable running on the elongate support and/or those resulting from the vehicles running along the track cables can be considerably reduced.

Each pair of damping blocks can be easily dimensioned so as to act on a specific frequency range corresponding to these vibrations. The dimensioning of the damping blocks is greatly facilitated by the fact that there is an elongate beam-like support on two pseudo-embedded connections, each of which behaves like a ball joint. The dimensioning of the damping blocks can thus be based on a structural calculation. For this calculation, the connections can be considered as articulated (ball joints): these connections are arranged in such a way that they each transmit forces in each direction and no moment. This considerably simplifies the calculation and dimensioning of the damping blocks. Due to a dimensioning specific to the frequencies to be damped, which are known in advance, the guiding system is more effective in damping the vibrations and thus the noise than those known to date. In particular, the proposed device is more effective than that of the French patent document FR 2 797 834, the structure whereof, as described, cannot be easily dimensioned to suit such vibrations.

Each damping block can be dimensioned in such a way that its natural frequency is, on the one hand, much lower than this specific frequency range and, on the other hand, much higher than the first natural frequencies of the support structure and a frequency of passage of the vehicles over this structure. This allows the pair of damping blocks to be configured so as to filter the desired frequencies while preventing excitation of the support structure.

Furthermore, the invention proposes an aerial cableway system of the type comprising one or more track cables and at least one hauling cable. The system comprises at least one aerial support structure and at least one cable guiding device of the aforementioned type which is fastened to this support structure so as to support the at least one hauling cable and the track cables on the aerial support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will be described in detail in the following description, which is given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a part of an aerial cableway system from an isometric perspective;

FIG. 2 shows the part of the system in FIG. 1 from the side;

FIG. 3 shows the part of the system in FIG. 1 from the front;

FIG. 4 shows the part of the system in FIG. 1 from above;

FIG. 5 shows a support of the roller carrier type for the system in FIG. 1 in place with a hauling cable, as viewed from an isometric perspective;

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, without the hauling cable;

FIG. 7 shows the roller carrier in FIG. 5 from above, without the hauling cable;

FIG. 8 shows a feature VIII from FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows the feature VIII from an isometric perspective;

FIG. 10 shows a part of the feature VIII from an isometric perspective;

FIG. 11 shows a part of the feature VIII from the front;

FIG. 12 shows a sectional view, taken along a line XII-XII, of a part of the feature VIII;

FIG. 13 shows a part of the feature VIII from the right;

FIG. 14 shows a hanger portion of the roller carrier in FIG. 5 from an isometric perspective;

FIG. 15 shows the portion in FIG. 14 from the front;

FIG. 16 shows a support of the cable carrier type for the system in FIG. 1, without a track cable, from an isometric perspective;

FIG. 17 shows the cable carrier in FIG. 16 from the front;

FIG. 18 shows a sectional view, taken along a line XVIII-XVIII, of the cable carrier in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 19 shows a sectional view, taken along a line XIX-XIX, of the cable carrier in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The drawings contain elements of a definite nature. They can be used not only to complement the invention, but also to contribute to the definition thereof, where appropriate.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 to 4.

A part of a cable car transport facility, in this case an aerial cableway system 1, comprises a transport line with a first running pathway, or outgoing pathway, along which at least one track cable 3A and a first strand of a hauling cable, or outgoing strand 5A, extend. The system 1 comprises an aerial structure which helps to keep at least a portion of the track cable 3A and of the outgoing strand 5A in the air, following a line gauge. In this case, this aerial structure comprises a tower 7. In this case, the system 1 further comprises an additional track cable, or second track cable 9A, which runs along the outgoing pathway and is also held in the air by the tower 7.

In this case, the line of the system 1 comprises a second running pathway, or return pathway, similar to the outgoing pathway. The counterpart cables to the cables of the outgoing pathway extend along this return pathway, i.e. a first track cable 3B, a second strand of the hauling cable, or return strand 5B, and a second track cable 9B. The first track cable 3B, the return strand 5B and the second track cable 9B of the return pathway are held in the air, according to the line gauge, at least partially by the tower 7.

The hauling cable is typically a stranded cable, i.e. a cable comprising an assembly of wire strands, each consisting of a plurality of wires. The wire strands are entwined around one another along the cable (twisted). The track cables are typically single-stranded cables consisting of a bundle of wires.

The tower 7 comprises a portion extending mainly in the vertical direction, in this case in the form of a pair of columns 11, and a portion 13 extending mainly in the horizontal direction, supported by the vertical portion. The horizontal portion 13 comprises a first crossarm portion 13A for supporting the cables of the outgoing pathway. This first crossarm portion 13A projects from one side of the vertical portion. The horizontal portion 13 further comprises a second crossarm portion 13B for supporting the cables of the return pathway. This second crossarm portion 13B projects from the vertical portion on the opposite side to the first crossarm portion 13A. In this case, the second crossarm portion 13B is similar to the first crossarm portion 13A.

The first crossarm portion 13A and the second crossarm portion 13B are each made from a section of metal profile formed into a respective loop. Together with the uprights 11 and the first and second crossarm portions 13A and 13B, the tower 7 has the appearance of a double-arm pillar, each arm being intended to support the cables of a respective running pathway.

The system 1 comprises at least one elongate support of a first type, or first elongate support, for supporting at least one of the track cables on the aerial structure and for guiding this cable along the line gauge. In this case, the first elongate support takes the form of a supporting cable carrier, or first cable carrier 15A. The first cable carrier 15A is disposed relative to the first crossarm portion 13A in such a way that the longitudinal direction of this first cable carrier 15A substantially corresponds to a direction of the outgoing pathway. The first cable carrier 15A is securely held in this position by a pair of hangers of a first type, or first hangers 17A, each connecting the first cable carrier 15A to the first crossarm portion 13A. In this case, the first hangers 17A are similar to one another.

In the vicinity of one of the ends thereof, the first hangers 17A connect to the first supporting cable carrier 15A at respective positions of the first cable carrier 15A which are at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of this cable carrier. In the vicinity of the opposite end thereof, the first hangers 17A connect to the first crossarm portion 13A at respective positions of this crossarm which are at a distance from one another.

In this case, the system 1 further comprises an elongate support of a second type, or second elongate support, for supporting the second track cable 9A on the aerial structure and for guiding this cable within the line gauge. In this case, the second elongate support takes the form of a supporting cable carrier, or second cable carrier 19A, which is the counterpart of the first cable carrier 15A. The second cable carrier 19A is similar to the first cable carrier 15A.

This second cable carrier 19A is disposed relative to the first crossarm portion 13A, at a distance from the first cable carrier 15A, in such a way that the longitudinal direction of the second cable carrier 19A corresponds to the direction of the outgoing pathway. The second cable carrier 19A is securely held in this position by a pair of hangers of a second type, or second hangers 21A, disposed in a similar manner to the first hangers 17A.

In this case, the system 1 further comprises an elongate support of a third type, or third elongate support, for guiding the outgoing strand 5A of the hauling cable over the aerial structure. In this case, this third support takes the form of a hauling cable roller carrier, or roller carrier 23A. The roller carrier 23A is disposed on the first crossarm portion 13A, between the first cable carrier 15A and the second cable carrier 19A, in such a way that the longitudinal direction of the roller carrier substantially corresponds to the direction of the outgoing pathway. The roller carrier 23A is securely held in this position by a pair of hangers of a third type, or third hangers 25A, disposed in a similar manner to the first hangers 17A.

The cables of the return pathway on the aerial structure are supported and guided in a similar way to those of the outgoing pathway. The system 1 thus comprises a third cable carrier 15B, a fourth cable carrier 19B and a second roller carrier 23B, respectively being the counterparts to the first cable carrier 15A, the second cable carrier 19A and the roller carrier 23A, and are securely held on the second crosspiece portion 13B respectively by fourth hangers 17B, fifth hangers 21B and sixth hangers 25B, which are the counterparts to the first 17A, second 21A and third hangers 25A.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5 to 7.

An elongate support of the roller carrier type 23, for example the first roller carrier 23A or the second roller carrier 23B in FIGS. 1 to 4, comprises a beam structure of a first type, or first beam 27, and a plurality of rollers 29, each rotatably mounted on this first beam 27.

The rollers 29 are disposed substantially in the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27. The rollers 29 jointly guide the running of a portion of the hauling cable 5 along the roller carrier 23, typically one of the outgoing strand 5A and return strand 5B in FIGS. 1 to 4.

In this case, the rollers 29 are disposed such that they are slightly offset from one another along the height of the first beam 27, so as to guide the running of the hauling cable 5 along a slightly curved profile, for example in an arc of a circle.

As the hauling cable 5 runs over the rollers 29, a succession of shocks is produced, each corresponding to the contact of a wire strand with a roller 29. The frequency of these shocks is determined by the number of wire strands making up the cable 5, the stranding pitch and the speed at which the hauling cable runs over the rollers 29 (line speed). These frequencies are typically comprised between 50 hertz and 250 hertz.

The first beam 27 has a hollow web, inside which the rollers 29 are housed. In this case, this first beam 27 takes a composite form, by the mutual assembly of a pair of counterpart flat and elongate flanges 31. In this case, the counterpart flanges 31 of the first beam 27 are similar to one another.

The counterpart flanges 31 are disposed opposite one another, the main planes of these flanges 31 being parallel to one another. These counterpart flanges 31 are held at a distance from one another by a plurality of basic crosspieces of a first type, or first crosspieces 33. Each of these first crosspieces 33 is integral with each of the counterpart flanges 31. For example, these first crosspieces 33 are welded to the counterpart flanges 31.

A plurality of additional crosspieces, of a second type, or second crosspieces 36, connect one of the counterpart flanges 31 to the other. The second crosspieces 36 are distributed along the first beam 27, in this case in line with a first crosspiece 33 in each case. In this case, the second crosspieces 36 take the form of perforated plates, disposed in such a way that the main plane thereof lies parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27, and in such a way that they are made integral, in this position, with each of the counterpart flanges 31, typically by welding.

The first crosspieces 33 and the second crosspieces 36 also act as stiffeners.

Each roller 29 is mounted loosely on a respective pin 37, mounted crosswise on each of the counterpart flanges 31.

The roller carrier 23 can be connected to an aerial support structure by a pair of hangers 25, for example of the type of the third hangers 25A or sixth hangers 25B in FIGS. 1 to 4. In each case, the roller carrier 23 is connected to a hanger by means of a respective connection 39. In other words, the roller carrier 23 is securely mounted on the aerial support structure via a single pair of connections 39. The connections 39 in this pair are similar to one another: the connections 39 behave in the same way both mechanically and vibrationally. Structurally, the connections 39 can differ slightly from one another, in particular through symmetry.

In this case, each connection 39 between a hanger 25 and the roller carrier 23 is arranged as a connection of the pseudo-embedded type, capable of transmitting forces in the same way as a ball joint (embedded connection articulated in three orthogonal directions pairwise). Kinematically, each connection 39 prevents any relative displacement, translation or rotation in three orthogonal directions pairwise, of the roller carrier 23 relative to a hanger 25, like an embedded connection. Structurally, each connection 39 transmits forces between the hanger 25 and the roller carrier 23 like a connection of the embedded type. However, in contrast to a connection of the purely embedded type, each connection 39 does not transmit moments in the three directions (torques), or only negligible values, due to a rotational stiffness that is low compared to the bending stiffness of the beam. Each connection 39 structurally behaves like a ball joint (articulated connection) and kinematically behaves like an embedment.

The connections 39 are arranged at positions on the roller carrier 23 that are at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of this roller carrier 23. The connections 39 are separated from one another by a distance, in the longitudinal direction of the roller carrier 23, which is significant in relation to the length of this roller carrier. For example, this distance is comprised between one third and the whole length of the roller carrier 23, preferably between three fifths and four fifths of the length of the roller carrier 23. The roller carrier 23 is thus supported in two places.

In particular, these connections 39 are arranged on the first beam 27, at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of this first beam 27. In this case, each connection 39 is arranged primarily between the counterpart flanges 31 of the first beam 27.

In this case, a connection 39 between a hanger 25 and the roller carrier 23 is arranged in each case in the vicinity of a respective end of the first beam 27, between an end roller 29 and a roller 29 adjacent to this end roller 29.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Each connection 39 includes at least one first area, on the first beam 27, arranged to receive a connecting member 41. This first area comprises at least one planar surface against which bears a face of the connecting member 41. This planar surface is perpendicular to the main plane of each of the counterpart flanges 31. This planar surface is oriented relative to the flanges 31 so as to be disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27 or of the roller carrier 23.

Thus, the planar surface in question is oriented relative to the flanges 31 so as to be perpendicular to the main direction, or resultant, of the deflection forces of the hauling cable on the aerial support structure.

When installed on an aerial support structure supporting the hauling cable, for example the tower 7 in FIGS. 1 to 4, the roller carrier 23 helps guide the hauling cable along the line. The roller carrier 23 is generally positioned such that the longitudinal direction thereof substantially corresponds to the chord of the vertical deflection curve of the hauling cable on the support structure in question.

In the case where the line extends in an overall horizontal manner, at least in the vicinity of the support structure, the longitudinal direction of the roller carrier 23 is horizontal and the resultant of the deflection forces of the hauling cable is directed in a substantially vertical manner. In the case where the line extends in an overall inclined manner relative to the horizontal, at least in the vicinity of the support structure, for example when the support structures respectively preceding and succeeding the support structure in question are located at different altitudes from one another, the longitudinal direction of the roller carrier 23 generally corresponds to this inclination and the resultant of the deflection forces is substantially inclined relative to the vertical, in a manner corresponding to inclination of the longitudinal direction of the roller carrier 23

In practice, this inclination is less than 45 degrees. In general, this inclination is preferably less than 30 degrees, or even 20 degrees.

If the line is not raised, or lowered, in the vicinity of the support structure, the planar surface in question is disposed in a horizontal manner when the roller carrier 23 is fastened to this structure, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

In this case, this planar surface is borne by a lower face of a first plate 43 integral with the first beam 27. This first plate 43 is disposed across the counterpart flanges 31, generally perpendicularly thereto. The first plate 43 is fastened to each of these counterpart flanges 31, for example by welding. The plate 43 is pierced with holes, each suitable for receiving a fastening element, such as the threaded rod of a bolt 45 for example.

Each connection 39 includes at least one second area, on a respective hanger 25, adapted to receive the connecting member 41. This second area comprises at least one planar surface 47 against which bears a face of the connecting member 41 opposite the face of this bearing member with the first beam 27.

This planar surface is disposed relative to the hanger 25 so as to be oriented in an overall parallel manner to the longitudinal direction of the roller carrier 23 when the hanger 25 and the roller carrier 23 are in position on an aerial support structure, for example the tower 7 in FIGS. 1 to 4. The orientation of this planar surface relative to the hanger 25 corresponds to the orientation of the roller carrier 23 on the support structure. When the roller carrier 23 is disposed on the support structure such that the longitudinal direction thereof is horizontal, the planar surface 47 of the second area is disposed on the hanger such that it is substantially horizontal. When the roller carrier 23 is disposed on the support structure such that the longitudinal direction thereof is inclined relative to the horizontal, the planar surface 47 of the second area is disposed on the hanger such that it is inclined in the same manner relative to the horizontal.

Thus, the planar surface 47 of the second area is arranged such that it is perpendicular overall to the resultant of the deflection forces of the hauling cable when the hanger 25 is fastened to an aerial support structure, for example the tower 7 in FIGS. 1 to 4.

In this case, this planar surface is borne by an upper face of a second plate 49 integral with the hanger 25.

For each connection 39, at least one of the counterpart flanges 31 of the first beam 27 is pierced with at least one opening 51 shaped such that a part of the hanger 25 integral with the second plate 49 passes therethrough.

Each opening 51 is disposed in a longitudinal position of the counterpart flange 31 in such a way that the second plate 49 can come opposite the first plate 43.

In this case, each of the counterpart flanges 31 is pierced with two respective openings 51, the openings 51 of one of the counterpart flanges 31 facing an opening of the other of these flanges 31. This allows, inter alia, similar counterpart flanges 31 to be produced.

In this case, a portion of each second plate 49 protrudes from the counterpart flange 31 opposite the counterpart flange 31 close to the rest of the hanger 25.

The roller carrier 23 is mounted on each hanger 25 such that the planar face of the first plate 43 and the planar face of the second plate 49 face one another, and extend generally parallel to one another.

A connecting member 41 is inserted between the planar face of the first plate 43 and the planar face 47 of the second plate 49. The openings 51 are shaped so as to avoid any contact between the counterpart flange 31 and the hanger 25 or the second plate 49 thereof. As a result, the first beam 27 is connected to the pair of hangers 25 by means of two connecting members 41. These connecting members 41 are at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27.

The connecting member 41 is arranged to transmit forces between the first plate 43 and the second plate 49. This in particular concerns transmitting the resultant of the deflection forces of the hauling cable from the roller carrier 23 to the hangers 25. The connecting member 41 is furthermore arranged to only transmit negligible moments (torques) between the first plate 43 and the second plate 49. This is to prevent torque from being transmitted between the roller carrier 23 and the hangers 25.

In this configuration, the roller carrier 23 structurally behaves like a continuous beam on two supports (articulation, ball joint).

Each first crosspiece 33 has a portion with a groove 53 for the passage of the hauling cable 5 which runs over the rollers 29. This groove 53 acts, where appropriate, to guide the hauling cable 5 when it is no longer in contact with the groove of the rollers 29, in particular after it has been raised by a passing vehicle.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10 to 15.

Each connecting member 41 includes a first plate, or roller carrier plate 55, shown here in the upper position, against which the first beam 27 is intended to bear, in particular by the planar bearing of a plate of the type of the first plate 43. Each connecting member 41 further includes a second plate, or hanger plate 57, shown here in the lower position, intended to bear against a portion of the hanger 25, in particular by the planar bearing of a plate of the type of the second plate 49.

The roller carrier plate 55 and the hanger plate 57 face one another and are held in this position by a damping block 59, which is integral with each of these plates. The term “damping block” is used in this case to refer to a solid, compact part of a basic shape (for example a plate, cylinder or slab), the damping capacity whereof is mainly a result of the flexibility or of the materials of which it is made. This distinguishes a damping block from a spring, for example. An elastomer block can be in one piece or formed by a stack of layers, at least some whereof can be made of a flexible material. A damping block can comprise a stack of elastomer plates and of metal plates made integral with one another. One feature of a damping block is that its damping performance is largely determined by the dimensions of the basic shape and the material of which it is made. As a result, a damping block can be easily dimensioned.

The damping block 59 comprises a flexible and resilient body, typically made of elastomer, integral with the roller carrier plate 55 and the hanger plate 57. For example, the flexible and resilient body can be cured on these plates. The flexible and resilient body constitutes the active part of the damping block 59.

In this case, the flexible and resilient body is shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The large opposite faces of this parallelepiped are integral with the roller carrier plate 55 and with the hanger plate 57, respectively. The thickness of this parallelepiped, i.e. the distance between the mutually opposite large faces thereof, as well as the dimensions of the opposite large faces thereof, are characteristic of the damping block 59. The frequency range over which the damping block 59 is effective depends on this thickness and on these dimensions. This thickness corresponds to the dimension of the flexible and resilient body in a main working direction of the damping block 59. The flexible and resilient body is shaped to transmit forces mainly in this direction. To a lesser extent, the flexible and resilient body can transmit forces in directions transverse to this main working direction. This arrangement of the flexible and resilient body limits any transmission of moments (torques) between the roller carrier plate 55 and the hanger plate 57 to negligible values compared to those of the forces.

Provided with the connecting member 41 and the damping block 59 thereof, each connection 39 is capable of behaving, in terms of the transmission of forces, as an articulation, with the effect of the one or more damping blocks.

The damping block 59 is characterized by the thickness of the flexible and resilient material inserted between the roller carrier plate 55 thereof and the hanger plate 57 thereof, and by the dimensions of the large opposing faces thereof. A flexible and resilient body in the form of a plate or right cylinder, in particular a circular or prismatic cylinder, more particularly a parallelepiped, and even more particularly a rectangular parallelepiped, is advantageous in that the dimensioning of the damping block 59 by calculation is largely simplified.

The roller carrier plate 55 is pierced with holes 61 each suitable for receiving a fastening element for fastening with the first plate 43 of the first beam 27, such as a bolt 45 for example.

The hanger plate 57 is pierced with holes each suitable for receiving a fastening element for fastening with the second plate 49, for example a second bolt 63. The second plate 49 is pierced with a pair of oblong holes 65 each suitable for receiving a fastening element for fastening with the connecting member 41, for example a second bolt 63. This oblong shape allows the relative position of the first plate 43 and of the second plate 49 to be adjusted in a transverse direction of the roller carrier 23.

The arrangement of the connections 39 means that the roller carrier 23 behaves like a beam on two bearings (articulation) that are at a distance from one another, each of which is equipped with a damping block 59. Not only does the damping block 59 provide flexibility to each connection 39, but the assembly has a low rotational stiffness compared to the bending stiffness of the roller carrier 23.

The forces acting on the roller carrier 23, in particular those resulting from the support and the guiding of the hauling cable, are transmitted to the hangers 25 exclusively via the damping blocks 59. This results in the vibrational insulation of the roller carrier 23 from the rest of the aerial support structure of this cable. The vibrations are transmitted and filtered by the damping blocks 59.

Each damping block 59 can be dimensioned so as to filter these vibrations in an optimal way.

The main working direction of the damping blocks 59 corresponds to the direction of the resultant of the deflection forces of the hauling cable on the roller carrier 23. The damping blocks 59 will work mainly in the direction of their thickness or height, in this case via compression. This makes it much easier to calculate the dimensioning of these damping blocks 59 in order to filter one or more specific vibration frequency ranges. For example, the vibrations generated when the hauling cable runs over the rollers can be targeted.

In particular, each damping block 59 can be dimensioned such that it filters the vibration frequencies which correspond to the running of the hauling cable 5 over the rollers 29, i.e. the succession of contacts made between each of the wire strands of the hauling cable 5 and the rollers 29 as the hauling cable 5 is running, and/or to the bringing of the hauling cable 5 back into contact with the rollers 29 after having been raised by a vehicle within the system as it passes over the aerial support structure.

For example, when the flexible and resilient body is prismatic, in particular parallelepipedal, and more particularly rectangular, circular or polygonal, in particular parallelogram-shaped, and more particularly rectangular, each of the sides or the diameter of this body is comprised between 50 and 250 millimeters.

Still by way of example, the height of the flexible and resilient body, or the thickness thereof, is comprised between 20 and 100 millimeters.

In this case, the connecting member 41 rests on the second plate 49 by way of a spacer 67 via which the positioning of the roller carrier 23 relative to one of the hangers 25 is adjusted. The spacer 67 is inserted between the hanger plate 57 and the planar surface 47 of the second plate 49. This spacer 67 is generally prismatic, with a base shaped such that it corresponds to that of the hanger plate 57. The spacer 67 is held securely to the connecting member 41 and the second plate 49 by the second bolts 63.

Each hanger 25 has a tubular portion 69 with a flat section on which the second plate 49 is borne. A first fin 71 and a second fin 73 project from a lower surface 75 of the second plate 49. This first fin 71 and this second fin 73 are made integral with the second plate 49 on the one hand, typically by welding, and on the other hand with the tubular portion 69 of the hanger 25. The first fin 71 and the second fin 73 act as stiffeners and allow the transverse position of the roller carrier 23 to be adjusted relative to the hanger 25.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16 to 19.

An elongate support of the cable carrier type 15, for example the first cable carrier 15A, the second cable carrier 19A, the third cable carrier 15B or the fourth cable carrier 19B in FIGS. 1 to 4, comprises a second type of beam structure, or second beam 77.

The second beam 77 comprises a generally flat web 79 and a slightly curved flange 81. The web 79 and the flange 81 are integral with one another, typically welded together. The flange 81 comprises a first face, or upper face 83, on which a track cable (not shown) will rest, for example the first track cable 3A or the second track cable 9A. The flange 81 further comprises a second face, or lower face 85, opposite the upper face 83. The web 79 projects from this lower face 85.

The cable carrier 15 can be connected to an aerial support structure by a pair of hangers 17, for example of the type of the first hangers 17A, second hangers 21A, fourth hangers 17B or fifth hangers 21B.

In each case, the cable carrier 15 is connected to a respective hanger 17 by means of a second type of connection, or second connection 87. Each second connection 87 is arranged in this case as a connection of the pseudo-embedded type, capable of behaving like an articulation (ball joint) with regard to the transmission of forces. In other words, the cable carrier 15 is fastened to the aerial support structure via a pair of connections 87.

The second connections 87 are arranged at positions on the cable carrier 15 that are at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of this cable carrier 15. These connections 87 are arranged on the second beam 77 at positions of this beam that are at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of this beam 77. The second connections 87 are separated from one another by a distance, in the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier 15, which is significant in relation to the length of this cable carrier. For example, this distance is comprised between one third and the whole length of the cable carrier 15, preferably between three fifths and four fifths of the length of the cable carrier 15. The cable carrier 15 is thus supported in two places.

Each connection 87 comprises a portion of the hanger 17 suitable for receiving a connecting device 89. In this case, this portion comprises a cylindrical bearing surface 91. This cylindrical bearing surface 91 is provided on an end portion of the hanger 17. In this case, each second connection 87 comprises a hole 93 made in the web 79 of the second beam 77 and intended to receive at least a portion of the cylindrical bearing surface 91. The hole 93 is wider than the cylindrical bearing surface 91, at least over the portion of this cylindrical bearing surface 91 that is received inside the hole 93.

The connecting device 89 comprises a pair of counterpart clamps 95 fastened to the cylindrical bearing surface 91, each on one respective side of the web 79. Each clamp 95 includes a portion shaped as a collar 97 which is mounted onto the cylindrical bearing surface 91 and held in place by clamping.

Each clamp 95 includes an angle bracket-shaped portion 99 integral with the collar 97 of this clamp 95. The collar 97 of each clamp 95 bears against a first fin 101 of the angle bracket 99. In each clamp 95, the collar 97 and the angle bracket 99 are integral with one another, for example welded together. The angle bracket 99 of each clamp comprises a second fin 103 which connects to the first fin 101 of this clamp 95 and extends perpendicular to this first fin 101. The first fin 101 of each clamp 95 is pierced with a hole for allowing the cylindrical bearing surface 91 to pass therethrough.

Each clamp 95 is, in this case, positioned relative to the hanger 17 in such a way that the second fin 103 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier 15, even in the case where the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier 15 is inclined relative to the horizontal. In this position, the second fin 103 is oriented perpendicular to the main direction, or resultant, of the deflection forces of the track cable on the aerial support structure on the one hand, and to the resultant of the forces exerted on the cable carrier 15 by a vehicle on the other hand.

When installed on an aerial support structure supporting a track cable, for example the tower 7 in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cable carrier 15 helps support and guide the track cable along the line. The cable carrier 15 is generally positioned such that the longitudinal direction thereof substantially corresponds to the chord of the vertical deflection curve of the track cable on the support structure in question.

In the case where the line extends in an overall horizontal manner, at least in the vicinity of the support structure, the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier 15 is horizontal, and the resultant of the deflection forces of the track cable as well as the resultant of the forces exerted on the cable carrier 15 by a vehicle are directed substantially vertically. In the case where the line extends in an overall inclined manner relative to the horizontal, at least in the vicinity of the support structure, for example when the support structures respectively preceding and succeeding the support structure in question are located at different altitudes from one another, the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier 15 generally corresponds to this inclination, and the resultant of the deflection forces of the track cable as well as the resultant of the forces exerted on the cable carrier 15 by a vehicle are substantially inclined relative to the vertical, in a manner corresponding to inclination of the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier 15.

In practice, this inclination is less than 45 degrees. In general, this inclination is preferably less than 30 degrees, or even 20 degrees.

If the line is not raised, or lowered, in the vicinity of the support structure, the second fin 103 is oriented in a horizontal manner when the cable carrier 15 is fastened to this support structure, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 19.

The connecting device 89 comprises a pair of dampers of a first type, or first dampers 105, each comprising a damping block 107 integral with a pair of plates 109. For example, each damping block 107 comprises a body made of a flexible and resilient material, for example an elastomer, integral with each of the two plates 109. For example, the flexible and resilient body is cured on the plates 109.

In this case, the flexible and resilient body is parallelepipedal, with the mutually opposing large faces of the parallelepiped being attached to the plates 109. Each damping block 107 is arranged to work primarily via compression in the direction of the thickness of this flexible and resilient body.

The flexible and resilient body can take any shape of a portion of a right cylinder, in particular a prismatic cylinder, more particularly a parallelepipedal cylinder, and even more particularly a rectangular, circular, or plate-shaped cylinder, that is in particular circular or polygonal, more particularly parallelogram-shaped, and even more particularly rectangular, such that the features of the damping block 107 can be determined as a function of the height or the thickness of the flexible and resilient body, as well as of the dimensions of the large faces thereof.

A first damper 105 is disposed on one face of the second fin 103 of each clamp 95, with a spacer of a second type, or second spacer 111, inserted between this second fin 105 and the first damper 105. In each clamp 95, the assembly formed by the damper 105 and the second spacer 111 is fastened to the angle bracket 99 of this clamp 95, in this case by welding between the lower plate of the first damper 105 and the second spacer 111 on the one hand, and between the second spacer 111 and the second fin 103 of this clamp 95 on the other hand.

The cable carrier 15 rests on the clamps 95 of each of the connections 87. The lower surface 85 of the flange 81 bears against the upper surface of the upper plate of the damper 105, and is securely held in this position, in this case by welding.

In the vertical or inclined direction relative to the vertical, corresponding to the direction of the main component of the resultant of all of the forces capable of being applied to the cable carrier 15, the cable carrier 15 is thus held securely on the pair of hangers 17 by means of the damping blocks 107. The damping blocks 107 are oriented such that the main working direction thereof is substantially parallel to the direction of this main component. This main component is transmitted to the pair of hangers 17 via the damping blocks 107. No significant torque is transmitted.

Each damping block 107 is disposed here in relation to the cable carrier 15 such that the working direction thereof is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of this cable carrier 15. The damping blocks 107 are disposed on this cable carrier 15 such that they work in the same direction.

These damping blocks 107 act with respect to the vibrations corresponding to forces oriented in this main working direction, as is the case with vibrations resulting from the passage of the vehicle. This is the case even when the cable carrier 15 is inclined relative to the horizontal. These damping blocks 107, in particular the thickness or the height of the flexible and resilient body thereof, as well as the dimensions of the large faces thereof, can be dimensioned by calculation as a function of one or more vibration frequency ranges to be specifically damped. For example, the vibrations generated by the rolling of the rollers of a vehicle carriage, which typically have frequencies comprised between 5 hertz and 12 hertz, can be targeted.

When the cable carrier 15 rests on the clamps 95, the first fin 101 of each of these clamps 95 generally extends parallel to the web 79 of the second beam 77. An additional damping block 115 is inserted in each case between the first fin 101 of a clamp 95 and the part facing the web 77. Each additional damping block 115 in this case has a flexible and resilient plate-shaped body, typically made of an elastomer material. The thickness of this plate corresponds to the main working direction of the additional damping block 115. Alternatively, the body can take the shape of a right cylinder, in particular a prismatic cylinder.

The clamps 95 are fastened to one another by fasteners which each pass through the web 79 of the beam 77 and the first fin 101 of these clamps. These are, for example, bolts 125. In the horizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier 15, the cable carrier is thus securely held with the pair of hangers 17 by means of the additional damping blocks 115. The horizontal transverse component of the resultant of all of the forces capable of being applied to the cable carrier 15 is transmitted to the pair of hangers via these additional damping blocks 115. The thickness or the height of the flexible and resilient body of the additional damping blocks 115, as well as the dimensions of the large faces thereof, can be calculated such that these blocks act on a specific vibration frequency range.

Each additional damping block 115 is disposed in relation to the cable carrier 15 such that the working direction thereof is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of this cable carrier 15. The additional damping blocks 115 are disposed on this cable carrier 15 such that they work in the same direction. The additional damping blocks 115 are disposed on this cable carrier 15 such that the working direction thereof is perpendicular to the working direction of the damping blocks 107.

Each clamp 95 in this case includes a lug 117 connected to the first fin 101 of the angle bracket 99 and projecting from this fin in a generally perpendicular manner. This lug 117 bears a third type of spacer, or third spacer 119. The third spacer 119 is fastened to the lug 117, in this case by welding. Each connection 87 further includes at least one pair of flats 121 which each project from one side of the web 79, in the vicinity of the hole 93. Each flat 121 is disposed on the web 79 such that it faces the lug 117 of a respective clamp 95. A second type of damper, or second damper 123, is inserted between each flat 121 and the facing lug 117. This second damper 123 comprises a damping block integral with a pair of plates, for example with a flexible and resilient body, typically made of an elastomer material, cured on each of these plates.

This second damper 123 is fastened against the third spacer 119, in this case by welding between said spacer and a plate of the second damper. In the substantially longitudinal direction, the cable carrier 15 is thus securely held with the pair of hangers 17 by means of the second damper 123. The substantially longitudinal component of the resultant of all of the forces capable of being applied to the cable carrier 15 is transmitted to the pair of hangers via this second damper 123.

The block of the second damper 123 is disposed in relation to the cable carrier 15 such that the working direction thereof is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of this cable carrier 15. The second damper 123 is disposed on the cable carrier 15 such that the working direction of the block thereof is perpendicular to the working direction of the damping blocks 107 and to that of the additional damping blocks 115.

The damping blocks 107, the additional damping blocks 115 and the damping block of the second damper 123 can advantageously be dimensioned (height or thickness and dimensions of the large faces of the flexible and resilient body thereof) by calculation in such a way as to filter a determined vibration frequency range. In particular, the damping blocks and plates can be dimensioned so as to filter vibration frequencies that correspond to the rolling of the rollers of a vehicle carriage over the portion of track cable 3 located on the cable carrier 15.

For example, when the flexible and resilient body is prismatic, in particular parallelepipedal, and more particularly rectangular, circular or polygonal, in particular parallelogram-shaped, and more particularly rectangular, each of the sides or the diameter of this body is comprised between 50 and 250 millimeters.

Still by way of example, the height of the flexible and resilient body, or the thickness thereof, is comprised between 20 and 100 millimeters.

Each of the second connections 87 is arranged such that the damping blocks 107, the additional damping blocks 115 and the damping block of the second damper 123 are disposed relative to one another such that the main working directions thereof are perpendicular to one another. This allows, inter alia, independent damping in different directions and, where appropriate, the dimensioning of each damping block practically independently of the others, in order to dampen specific vibrations.

An aerial cableway system has just been described wherein each of the track cables and the hauling cable are guided by means of an elongate cable support and a pair of connections via which the cable support is fastened to an aerial support structure. This elongate support takes the form of a “roller carrier”-type support for the hauling cable and a “cable carrier”-type support for the track cables.

These connections are arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the cable support. Each connection is arranged as a connection of the pseudo-embedded type, capable of behaving in the manner of an articulation as regards the transmission of forces. Each elongate support thus behaves like a continuous beam on two bearings. At each of the two bearings, only forces are thus conveyed from the elongate support to the aerial support structure. At each connection, one or more damping blocks can thus be disposed such that the main working direction thereof corresponds to a direction of force transmission. The damping blocks are arranged such that the main working direction thereof corresponds to the thickness or to the height of a cylindrical or flat body made of a flexible and resilient material, typically an elastomer material. This flexible and resilient body can easily be dimensioned by calculation, in particular the thickness or height thereof and the dimensions of the large face thereof, such that it dampens a specific range of vibrations travelling in the direction of force transmission.

According to the invention, the cable support is insulated from the rest of the aerial support structure, on the one hand by using connections of the pseudo-embedded type capable of transmitting forces in the same way as articulations, and on the other hand by inserting, at each connection, at least one damping block which will work axially (via compression), at least for the directions in which the main forces are transmitted. The vibrations transmitted from the cable support to the support structure are transmitted through the one or more damping blocks. These damping blocks can be dimensioned by calculation such that they filter these vibrations in an optimal way.

These vibrations can have different origins depending on whether the support dedicated to the hauling cable or the support dedicated to the track cables is being considered.

The support dedicated to the hauling cable is mainly subjected to the deflection forces of the cable on this support, the resultant whereof is directed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support. A damping block is disposed between the support and the rest of the structure, such that the working direction thereof, perpendicular to the large faces thereof in the case of a parallelepiped, corresponds to this resultant. The block is dimensioned such that it dampens the vibrations typically resulting from the stranded hauling cable running over the guide rollers.

The support dedicated to a track cable is subjected to both the deflection forces of the cable on this support and the forces exerted by the vehicles passing over this support, the resultant whereof is also directed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support. A damping block is disposed between the support and the rest of the structure, such that the working direction thereof corresponds to this resultant. The block is dimensioned such that it dampens the vibrations typically resulting from vehicles rolling over the track cable support.

The invention relates not only to the system just described but also to any sub-assembly thereof forming a guiding device and which comprises a cable support, and a pair of connections by means whereof the support is fastened to an aerial support structure, where appropriate equipped with the damping blocks thereof.

In particular, an aerial support structure is not limited to the case of a tower but also includes any structural element carrying out this function in a station, whether this is a terminal station or an intermediate station.

Connections arranged into pairs have been described, in which the connections are similar to one another. This simplifies the calculation of the dimensioning of the damping blocks that are provided in these connections. Connections similar to one another is understood to mean connections that mechanically and vibrationally behave in the same way. Structurally, the connections can be identical to one another, or can differ slightly from one another, in particular through symmetry.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove, however also encompasses any alternative embodiment that a person skilled in the art could consider. 

1. Cable guiding device for an aerial cableway system comprising: at least one elongate cable support (15, 23), a single pair of similar connections (39, 87), by means of which the cable support is securely mounted on an aerial support structure (7), the connections (39, 87) being arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the cable support (15, 23), each connection (39, 87) including at least one respective damping block (59, 107, 115, 123) which is inserted between the cable support (15, 23) and the support structure (7), each connection (39, 87) of said pair is arranged as a pseudo-embedded type connection, capable of transmitting forces in the manner of a ball joint, with the effect of the at least one damping block (59, 107, 115, 123).
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one damping block (59, 107, 115, 123) of at least one of the connections (39, 87) is shaped to have a main working direction and the connection is arranged such that said main working direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable support (15, 23).
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cable support is a hauling cable roller carrier (23) type or track cable carrier (15) type.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein each damping block (59, 107, 115, 123) comprises a body made of a flexible and resilient material.
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein an overall shape of the body is that of a portion of a right cylinder or plate.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the connections (39, 87) is arranged such that a height of the right cylinder or a plate thickness corresponds to a main working direction of the damping block (59, 107, 115, 123).
 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the height of the right cylinder or the thickness of the plate is comprised between 20 and 100 millimeters.
 8. The device according to claim 5, wherein the portion of the right cylinder is prismatic, parallelepipedal, rectangular, or circular.
 9. The device according to claim 6 wherein the portion of the plate is polygonal, parallelogram-shaped, rectangular, or circular.
 10. The device according to claim 8, wherein each side or the diameter of the portion of the plate or right cylinder is comprised between 50 and 250 millimeters.
 11. The device according to claim 2, wherein each connection includes a plurality of damping blocks (59, 107, 115, 123), each working in a main direction, and the connection is arranged such that the main working directions of said damping blocks (59, 107, 115, 123) are perpendicular to one another pairwise.
 12. An aerial cableway system of the type comprising one or a plurality of track cables and at least one hauling cable, the system comprising at least one aerial support structure and at least one cable guiding device according to claim 1, which is fastened to said support structure so as to support the at least one hauling cable and the track cables on the aerial support structure. 